By Dennis Mabuka

The Kenyan midfield star was a target of a host of premiership clubs among them Arsenal and coach Lennon wants to tie him to club with new offer

Scottish giants Celtic FC have started discussions to hand wanted Kenya midfielder Victor Wanyama a new improved contract in a quest to keep him from Premier League clutches.

According to Daily Mail, Celtic manager Neil Lennon has opened talks with with the agent of Norwegian international defender Thomas Rogne.

And Gary Hooper - subject of interest from Fulham and Southampton - will be next in line, followed by Queens Park Rangers and Arsenal target Wanyama.

Both players see their long-term futures in England. Arguing that only a very small percentage of the Premier League's top, wealthy clubs can offer the carrot of Champions League football, however, Lennon hopes games against Barcelona, Benfica and Spartak Moscow will prove an incentive to stay.

“There will be three or four we will be looking to give new, improved contracts to,” said the Celtic manager. ‘To just reward them for their efforts. Gary (Hooper) and Victor (Wanyama) would come into that category.”

‘We are already talking to Thomas Rogne. It’s ongoing with him — he has a year left on his contract and he is a player who has done great for me. There are a couple of other ones in the pot as well who deserve it."

Before the closer of transfer window, reports emerged that Celtic had rebuffed a substantial bid from QPR for the Kenyan combative midfielder, who has scored three goals for his side this season including a Champions League winner against Sweden side Helisborg.